What Is Plastic Leather Called? Faux, PU & Vinyl

PU leather generally refers to a polyurethane-based synthetic material, while vinyl or PVC leather refers to a polyvinyl chloride-based material; “pleather,” short for plastic leather, is an informal name that can describe either one. If a label says only “faux leather,” you know the surface is meant to resemble leather, but you do not necessarily know which plastic or construction it uses.

Synthetic leather is made to imitate leather, whereas coated leather can be genuine animal hide beneath a protective surface finish, so the two should not be treated as interchangeable just because they look glossy or feel smooth. If you’re identifying a car seat, trim panel, or accessory, start with its material label or vehicle care guidance rather than relying on appearance alone; different parts of the same interior may use different materials.

Before using any cleaner or restorer, remove loose grit with a soft cloth, then follow the care directions for the particular surface and test a new product in a small, inconspicuous area. Avoid aggressive scrubbing and strong solvents unless the material’s care guidance expressly allows them, since a surface coating can be damaged even when the underlying material remains intact.

If you’re shopping for a product such as our Car Plastic & Leather Restorer – Back to Black Gloss Coating & Polish, distinguish between plastic trim, synthetic leather, and coated genuine leather before deciding whether it suits the area you want to treat. Our team uses those material names to help you ask a more precise question: for a deeper look at the product and its intended use, see our car plastic and coated-leather gloss guide.